George W. Bush makes first public appearance for Jeb in Super Bowl ad

Former President George W. Bush made his first public appearance campaigning for Jeb Bush in New Hampshire and South Carolina on Sunday — in a Super Bowl ad. Crowdfunded by the super PAC Right to Rise, Bush's 30-second spot aired locally during the second half of the game between the Broncos and the Panthers, The Associated Press reports.

"I know Jeb. I know his good heart and his strong backbone," the former president says, adding that he believes the younger Bush has the experience and judgment to keep America safe.

Good results in New Hampshire and South Carolina's primaries are critical for Jeb Bush, who was all but forgotten in the Iowa caucuses. He currently holds 9.7 percent of support in the Granite State, according to Real Clear Politics, which places Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump ahead of him.

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Watch the ad, below. Jeva Lange